Pedagogical foundation and features

Because of the impact science has on students and society, an important goal of science education is to achieve a scientifically literate population that consistently makes informed decisions. Scientific literacy transcends a basic understanding of scientific principles and processes to include the ability to make sense of the myriad instances where people encounter science in day-to-day life. Thus, a scientifically literate person is one who uses science content knowledge to make informed decisions, either personally or socially, about topics or issues that have a connection with science. Concepts of Biology is grounded on a solid scientific base and designed to promote scientific literacy. Throughout the text, you will find features that engage the students in scientific inquiry by taking selected topics a step further.

Evolution in Action features uphold the importance of evolution to all biological study through discussions like “Global Decline of Coral Reefs” and “The Red Queen Hypothesis.”

Career in Action features present information on a variety of careers in the biological sciences, introducing students to the educational requirements and day-to-day work life of a variety of professions, such as forensic scientists, registered dietitians, and biogeographers.

Biology in Action features tie biological concepts to emerging issues and discuss science in terms of everyday life. Topics include “Invasive Species” and “Photosynthesis at the Grocery Store.”

Art and animations that engage

Our art program takes a straightforward approach designed to help students learn the concepts of biology through simple, effective illustrations, photos, and micrographs. Concepts of Biology also incorporates links to relevant animations and interactive exercises that help bring biology to life for students.

Art Connection features call out core figures in each chapter for student attention. Questions about key figures, including clicker questions that can be used in the classroom, engage students’ critical thinking and analytical abilities to ensure their genuine understanding of the concept at hand.

Concepts in Action features direct students to online interactive exercises and animations to add a fuller context and examples to core content.

About our team

Concepts of Biology would not be possible if not for the tremendous contributions of the authors and community reviewing team

Senior contributing authors

Samantha Fowler

Clayton State University

Rebecca Roush

Sandhills Community College

James Wise

Hampton University

Contributing authors and reviewers

Mark Belk

Brigham Young University

Lisa Boggs

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Sherryl Broverman

Duke University

David Byres

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Aaron Cassill

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Karen Champ

College of Central Florida

Sue Chaplin

University of St. Thomas

Diane Day

Clayton State University

Jean DeSaix

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

David Hunnicutt

St. Norbert College

Barbara Kuehner

Hawaii Community College

Brenda Leady

University of Toledo

Bernie Marcus

Genesee Community College

Flora Mhlanga

Lipscomb University

Madeline Mignone

Dominican College

Elizabeth Nash

Long Beach City College

Mark Newton

San Jose City College

Diana Oliveras

University of Colorado Boulder

Ann Paterson

Williams Baptist College

Joel Piperberg

Millersville University

Nick Reeves

Mt. San Jacinto College

Ann Reisenauer

San Jose State University

Lynn Rumfelt

Gordon College

Michael Rutledge

Middle Tennessee State University

Edward Saiff

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Brian Shmaefsky

Kingwood College

Gary Shultz

Marshall University

Donald Slish

SUNY Plattsburgh

Anh-Hue Tu

Georgia Southwestern State University

Elena Zoubina

Bridgewater State University

Learning resources

Wiley plus for biology-fall 2013 pilot

WileyPLUS provides an engaging online environment for effective teaching and learning. WileyPLUS builds students’ confidence because it takes the guesswork out of studying by providing a clear roadmap; what to do, how to do it, and if they did it right. With WileyPLUS, students take more initiative. Therefore, the course has a greater impact on their learning experience. Adaptive tools provide students with a personal, adaptive learning experience so they can build their proficiency on topics and use their study time most effectively. Please let us know if you would like to participate in a Fall 2013 Pilot.

Concepts of biology powerpoint slides (faculty only)

The PowerPoint slides are based on the extensive illustrations from College Physics. They can be edited, incorporated into lecture notes, and you are free to share with anyone in the community. This is a restricted item requiring faculty registration. NOTE: This file is very large and may take some time to download.

Simbio (laboratory)

SimBio’s interactive modules (virtual labs and interactive tutorials and chapters) provide engaging, discovery-based learning tools that complement many of the chapters of Concepts of Biology. SimBio is best known for their EcoBeaker® and EvoBeaker® suites of simulated ecology and evolution laboratories that guide students through the “discovery” of important concepts via a mix of structured and open-ended experimentation on simulated systems. In response to popular demand, SimBio has begun applying the same powerful approaches to topics in cell biology, genetics, and neurobiology. All of SimBio’s modules include instant-feedback questions that enhance student comprehension and auto-graded questions that facilitate implementation.

Species A has 12 pairs of chromosomes and Species B has 11 pairs of chromosomes. Explain what occurs during mitosis and during meiosis in the hybrid that allows normal development and growth from zygote to adult, but causes the adults to be sterile.

Ammonia is the end product of protein catabolism and is stored in the body of the fish in high concentrations relative to basal excretion rates. Ammonia, if allowed to accumulate, is toxic and is converted to less toxic compounds or excreted